A heritage visit

   The day for which I was eagerly awaiting for had come. It was with much excitement that I was packing to leave to Mahabalipuram. A site which is famous for its legendary monolithic rock sculptures was once ruled by the Pallava Kingdom. It is a place of cultural heritage and it is this heritage which has left the experience memorable. As I cruised down the ECR, a I  had a rear view of the vast ocean, which was known in the Pallava times as Purva Sagara. Since I reached there on Friday night, I retired for the day eagerly awaiting sunrise. Saturday morning was beautiful thanks to the pleasant weather and it was perfect for a day for sightseeing. Near our hotel were the Mahishasura mardini caves. It contained a large number of caves with sculptures carved out of a hill.. The view of the sea from the top of the hill was amazing and scenic. Next, we went to the Pancha Ratha site which is an acclaimed heritage monument under the purview of the UNESCO. There, the rock   

Sculptures and carvings on the gigantic monuments,which seemed live, left us awestruck. The rock which had Arjuna doing penance was intricately designed and was mind-blowing. There was also a huge elephant and a Nandi sculpture carved out of single rock, a wonder in sandstone. Next we further went down and had a glimpse of the wonderful shore temple. We also visited a series of temples such as Sthalashayana Perumal temple and the Thiruvidanthai Varaha Temple which are two Divyadesams. We were also lucky to visit Adi Varaha temple which is open only for half an hour a day, (this temple has been partially abandoned due to the fear of serpents). All in all, the next day when I left Mahamallapuram,I had the feeling that I was returning from  a time machine.

By M.Srikrishna

11-C (2010-2011)

(Credits are also due to R.Pradeep of 11-C (2010-2011) who helped in typing the article)